NMCSD Protects Patients, Sailors During National Safety Month

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

06.25.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Harley Sarmiento 

Naval Medical Center San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Naval Medical Center San Diego’s (NMCSD) annual observance of National Safety Month usually consists of highlighting important summer and heat safety and protection, but this June, the greatest health and safety issue is focusing efforts to minimize the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, NMCSD leadership across all departments and services worked together to implement ways to both conduct patient care and keep our service members safe. New processes like drive-through COVID-19 testing, enhanced screening upon entry to the hospital, sanitizing stations and wearing facemasks have been put in place to ensure the safety and protect the health of both patients and staff.
“As a command, we recognized early that it’s better to elevate our preparations than to underprepared,” said Mrs. Coleman, one of NMCSD’s patient safety representatives. “The command stood-up teams of experts to ensure we maintained high levels of safety. Our early actions resulted in our ability to extend and maintain our stocks of personal protective equipment. The addition of negative pressure rooms in multiple locations is an excellent example of the level of concern our leadership has for our staff and patients. ”
Both patients and service members have learned about preventative measures in regard to the spread of COVID-19, questions may still arise. NMCSD has set up a COVID-19 hotline that is available to answer questions during normal, business hours. NMCSD has also created a website specifically to pass information related to COVID-19.
“It’s important we maintain basic precautions, such as hand hygiene, social distancing and face covers in all areas,” Coleman said. “As the hospital resumes operations, we all need to be mindful of our environment and ensure it’s set up for safety and success.”
Coleman said she feels proud of how well the hospital has taken care of patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have some of the smartest, most dedicated staff in the world,” said Coleman. “Watching different experts leverage and merge their knowledge to develop processes that benefit the whole command and our patients is truly a unique experience.”
The health and safety of both patients and staff are paramount to everyone at NMCSD. The COVID-19 hotline can be reached at 619-532-5358. Information is also available at med.navy.mil/sites/nmcsd/Pages/COVID-19.aspx
NMCSD’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.
Visit navy.mil/local/sd/ or facebook.com/NMCSD for more information.

• Date Taken: 06.25.2020
• Date Posted: 07.14.2020 17:06
• Story ID: 372857
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US